Exploring Life & Business with Sarah Torti of Sarah Torti Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Torti

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My curiosity about mental health started in the early 2000s in high school and early college. As an athlete who was involved in competitive sports, I experienced and observed how mental health care was seemingly undervalued and not considered in sport environments. During that time, many seeds were planted that later evolved into a passion for prioritizing total well being, including mental health. Fast forward, my first job out of college was at a residential treatment center that specialized in treating eating disorders and other mental health struggles. I worked there for several years while going to grad school to pursue Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I found that working in a residential treatment setting provided a rich learning environment. From getting to work day to day on a multidisciplinary team, to walking with clients of all backgrounds and clinical presentations, it held endless opportunities to learn and grow. After graduating, I worked as primary therapist throughout the continuum of care: Residential, PHP, and IOP before starting my own outpatient practice in 2012. I started my practice in Green Hills and later moved it to Franklin in 2021.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a solo private practice owner there are always highs and lows. Helping professions can be draining and being a therapist can be lonely work. Having a life and interests outside of work is crucial. Also, having colleagues that understand the work and provide a circle of support is important. There are different seasons of struggle and growth as a business owner. My focus has also been on providing quality, evidence-based, and relational care. What I have loved about private practice is the flexibility it provides. Since becoming a mom, I shifted my practice to part-time and am always reflecting and evolving in how to hold both of these jobs, (as a mom and a therapist) in ways that feel life giving to myself and those around me. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I always return to the heart of why I do this work, to walk with others and hold space for their unique healing processes.

We’ve been impressed with Sarah Torti Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My practices focuses on working with those that struggle with eating disorders/disordered eating, relationship issues, identity/spiritual struggles, grief & bereavement, anxiety disorders, co-addictive behaviors, and underlying trauma. As a former competitive athlete, I have special interest in working with athletes (anyone that moves or plays) & recovery issues that arise around how to relate to movement. I am trained in a variety of modalities, including ACT-Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, DBT-Dialectical Behavior Therapy, ERP-Exposure & Response Prevention, Somatic Experiential Therapy (SomEX), & Parts Work (Internal Family Systems Informed). I am also trained in Brainspotting and ERED level 1 (a polyvagal, somatic, & attachment-based modality).

Offerings: Individual Therapy, Consultation, and Group Therapy (40+ in Recovery through Renewed Support). For more info on my practice check out my website www.sarahtorti.com and for more info on this group check out Renewed’s site to sign up https://renewedsupport.org/programs/support-groups/

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Before the pandemic, telehealth therapy was used, but not very frequently. Post pandemic, telehealth is now a regular part of many therapists’ practices for individual and group therapy. I use it every week and it has been a great tool for many to have more continuity of care within various life transitions. Covid-19 provided an invitation to adapt and learn as we faced unforeseen circumstances. I think many of us learned the value of flexibility, the importance of access to mental health care, and that ultimately connection to others is critical for our thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.sarahtorti.com/
• Instagram: @sarahtorticounseling
• Facebook: Sarah Torti Counseling